The Ruff Guide: A Guide for Boston Pet Lovers

Discover the best services and products across the city for your furry friend.

Eric Alexander, New England Patriots linebacker, with Bruce Bruce, Shih Tzu“Bruce doesn’t have the personality of a small dog. He’s very chill, very relaxed. He’s similar to me, because I’m kind of reserved. And we both like to eat. For his breed, he’s on the heavier side.”Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Michael Graham, WTKK talk-radio host, with Wally, green-cheeked conure“Wally likes to dance. If he were a person, he’d have a leisure suit and a disco ball. In fact, he does have a little disco ball that hangs in his cage....He’s a big James Brown fan. ‘Get on the Good Foot’ is his nickname.”Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Taylor Twellman, New England Revolution player, with Mona, Boston terrier, and Lola, Jack Russell–pug mix“Let’s put it this way: I take flak from some teammates for having two little dogs. Lola never leaves my side—I take her to practice and all the guys just sit there and laugh.”Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Liz Enthusiasm (a.k.a. Jussi Gamache) and Sean Drink-water, members of Freezepop, with Simon, mixed breed[Liz:] “We have a fair amount of parties at our house, so Simon’s used to having strangers roll in at 2 a.m. Sometimes he goes in his crate for a while, and then comes back out feeling more social. He’s very popular. He has his own Facebook page, too.”Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Matthew Pearl, author (The Dante Club), with Tidbit and Myrtle, tabbies; Abner, golden retriever–collie mix; and Oliver, Boston terrier“With this many pets, you have to build into your schedule all the responsibilities that come with them, but that’s something I would never want to live without. When I’m away on a book tour, I miss it immediately.” Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Photographs by Jörg Meyer

John Linehan, president and CEO of Zoo New England, with Sammy, husky, and Mac, Border collie“Being a Border collie, Mac is immensely trainable—our kids have taught him all kinds of tricks. Sam, on the other hand, is more of an independent spirit. Huskies will listen to you as much as they can. Or want to.”Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Ayanna Pressley, at-large Boston city councilor, with Precious, domestic shorthair“She’s my favorite constituent. I’ve practiced my speeches on her, she’s been by my side through all the victories and defeats, and she always votes for me. As long as I keep her fed, we’re good.”Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Richard Tisei, Republican state senator and candidate for lieutenant governor, with Mookie, Rhodesian ridgeback“No matter where I go, people are drawn to him—they want to pet him, ask questions about his breed. He’ll probably be my secret weapon on the campaign trail this spring.”Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Sandy Poirier, owner of Shag hair salon, with Diesel, English bulldog, and Chloe, French bulldog“What would I change about them? Well, Diesel tends to hump my female friends’ legs. That’s a problem. But Chloe? There’s nothing wrong with her. Absolutely nothing. She is an ideal animal.”Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Ana Sortun, chef and restaurateur (Oleana, Sofra), with Figaro and Zebra, tabby-Persian mixes“These two definitely have different personalities, but they are great brothers and they play really well together. Figaro is just a little cross-eyed—otherwise, no one can tell them apart.”Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Kim Khazei, Channel 7 anchor, with Ralphie, Shih Tzu–poodle mix“In our family, Ralphie is like my kids’ teddy bear whenever they’re feeling sad or lonely. They all love him; they even fight over where he’s going to sleep at night. He’s a really important friend to them.”Photographs by Jörg Meyer

Photographs by Jörg Meyer

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Boston is a pet owner’s dream—great vets, shops, sitters, walkers, groomers, and adventures (hello, Harbor Islands dog cruise!). How do we know? We polled hundreds of readers for their favorites and tested services and products across the city in order to bring you the go-to guide for pet love in the Hub.

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Rebecca

This article is great for in the city – but what about in the surrounding suburbs? I’m looking for a dog walker people trust 20 mins northwest of the city in the Lexington/Concord area

Michele

What kind of dog is on the March 2010 front cover?

Laurel

for lil puppie

Suzzanne

I want to know what kind of dog is on the front cover too!!!

Christine

My friend just rescued a Kelpy. They are adorable and extremely good natured.

Someone inquired about dog walkers in Metro West. The best is Rob McCculough, Great trainer, too.

John Bell

Someone inquired about dog walkers in Metro West. The best is Rob McCculough, Great trainer, too.

John Bell

Two great dog parks in the Metro West Area. First, there is the wonderful Great Meadow Park in Carlisle, with plenty of trails, a lake, a working farm that includes a mini-zoo with cows and goats, etc, picnic facilities, and even an ice cream shop. Dogs can run off leash so long as well behaved and supervised, and there are horse trails as well. Second, there is a small, lovely off-leash park with a pond and trails behind the firehouse in Acton. Sunday mornings are very busy with dogs, but best to go at off-hours with fewer visitors.

John Bell

Correction: The name of that wonderful dog park I just recommended is not Great Meadow, but Great Brook State Farm.

John Bell

Correction: The name of that wonderful dog park I just recommended is not Great Meadow, but Great Brook State Farm.

John Bell

Correction: The name of that wonderful dog park I just recommended is not Great Meadow, but Great Brook State Farm.